7 “Other” Player Storylines We’re Watching For At The 2019 Masters

Sergio Garcia, Masters 2017 @GolfChannel

The 2019 Masters is one of the most anticipated events of the year, as it always is. With so many storylines taking shape (Tiger etc), we took a look at some of the not-so-discussed player narratives we are most looking forward to this week:

1. Will Spieth Blow Another Masters?

Jordan Spieth seems to own Augusta National with a win and two runner-ups and a 3rd in 5 starts. But those T2s didn’t come without some serious heartbreak.

In 2014, Spieth held the outright lead on Sunday, but gave it all away with back to back bogeys on 8 and 9 and couldn’t recover finishing 3 shots behind Bubba Watson.

Then who could forget his meltdown in 2016? Spieth built a five-shot lead going to the back nine on Sunday, but lost 6 shots to par over the next 3 holes culminating in an infamous quad on the par-3 12th hole where he hit two balls into Rae’s Creek. He lost by 3 to Danny Willett.

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After a solo 3rd in 2018, all eyes are on Spieth and his flat stick where he ranks 167th in overall strokes gained this season. Woof.

Will he collapse again?

2. Will Augusta National Ban Phil’s Calves?

One of the biggest narratives of the year has been the emergence of Phil Mickelson’s calves. Ever since the pros were given the OK to wear shorts during practice rounds, Lefty has been flaunting the bottom half of his legs like a supermodel. He’s even posting a series of exercise videos on social media.

If Augusta National doesn’t allow shorts or open-toed shoes, will Phil show up in pair of Bermudas and flip-flops anyway?

3. Will Sergio Damage A Green And Get His Jacket Revoked?

2017 Masters Champion Sergio Garcia may have a green jacket in his closet, but he’s still got the temper of a spoiled toddler. After having a tantrum in a bunker and damaging 5 greens in Saudi Arabia, he’s been trying to improve his image. But if he looks like a dick and acts like a dick, he’s always going to be a dick.

Will Sergio lose his cool and take a divot out of a green in frustration? What would the repercussions be? We’d hate to see him have to return that jacket.

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4. Which Rory Will Show Up?

For the fifth time, Rory McIlroy will have a chance to complete the career grand slam at Augusta, a storyline which we’re sure he’d rather not discuss again.

With a win already under his belt this season at the Players Championship, he certainly appears to be peaking at the right time.

But you never know which Rory you are going to get. He’s like a box of Northern Irish chocolates. What we do know is that the DGAF kind is usually the best.

Will he play from the cabins left of 10 again like he did in 2011? Will he be able to hit a green with a wedge from inside 120 yards? His putter will tell the story.

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5. Will Justin Thomas Eject A Patron?

The gallery at the Masters is one of the most respectful in the game, and for good reason … not just because they are called patrons. No yelling, screaming, running. Heck, they don’t even allow bare feet.

If you’re feeling rebellious, chances are you will be kicked out 99.9% of the time. The other .1% will probably be courtesy of Justin Thomas.

If you recall, last year at the Honda Classic, he ejected a fan on his own accord down the stretch which sparked much controversy.

Who’s to say the pressure won’t get to him again?

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6. Will Dustin Johnson Avoid Another Freak Injury?

Dustin Johnson entered the week as the favorite in 2017 but slipped in his rental home the day before the competition. He tried to give it a go but was forced to withdraw.

Did he rent a ranch this year? Did he invest in some non-slip socks? Will he make it to the first tee? Only time will tell.

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7. Will Bubba Cry Again?

Whether you love him or hate him, the resurgence of Bubba Watson and his yellow Titleist golf ball has made for some wonderful storylines. But the one we’re more interested is if/when he will cry at some point during the week.

Usually, it’s after a win, but if the Augusta Waffle House is closed, all hell may break loose.

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